Absolute Radio Airplay Winners: The Bambi Killers
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This week saw five more of the most popular Emerging Icons tracks be put forward for the chance to be played on Absolute Radio's Sunday Night Music Club- and The Bambi Killers are unlike any other band we've seen triumph in the battle for that national audience.
Bursting and flailing with raw, roots-level punk rock, they're full of aggression... and they look like they might want to give us a smack. That last bit isn't why they clinched it though. With Pete Donaldson off on his jollies, DJ Chris Martin (no, not that one) was left to review 'Don't Be Invisible', and he was able to explain their victory quite plainly. "Bambi Killers have learnt from sludgy Nineties alt-rock bands L7 and Whale. Their recipe requires a front-woman who could probably have you in a fight, a generous dollop of distortion and a riff that makes you want to bang your head until your neck hurts." Who wouldn't want to have that tear through the serenity of their Sunday evening?
But despite the ferocious demeanour, we're inclined to believe that The Bambi Killers have a broader vision than just exploding into creative wrath. These guys plan on reaching out to a much vaster audience and extending the spirit of punk rock into people's lives. Once heard, they'll always be remembered- so what did it mean to the band to be able to address the nation? We asked them to find out.
As you are creators of 'punk rock for the masses', how does it feel being able to reach people on a national platform like Absolute Radio?
It means the world to us! We're still pinching ourselves- we can't believe a song we wrote in a pokey little practice room is being heard on national radio. Thank you!
What does being part of a website like Emerging Icons, who can provide you with opportunities like this, mean to you as a band?
Again-we are really grateful and lucky that sites such as Emerging Icons are giving unsigned bands an opportunity to be heard. Without such a platform unsigned bands would be struggling to get there name out there.
You say your sound is borne from the 'bleak streets' of Swansea- does this mean you're not fans of your hometown? Or do you just like running with the darkside...
We like running with the darkside (it's more fun!) On the plus side-there are plenty of really good bands in Swansea who like running with us.
The Bambi Killers philosophy is all based on the power of sleaze. What would happen if you lot got invited to say, a middle-class vicar's tea party?
The vicar would probably turn into a cross-dressing/devil worshipping/rock n roll lovin' anarchist!
What are The Bambi Killers' founding principles of rock n' roll?
Be awesome, play loud, party and fall over.
If your sound is described as ' punk meets rock for a fleeting encounter on top of the pool table'- what would punk's chat up line have been?
Do you wanna sink the pink or the brown...?
It sounds like a true case of sex, drugs and rock n' roll- so what have been the most defining moments of each in the history of the band?
We've done shows with pole dancers-they brought the sex. We've played dingy pubs with people high and fighting and still walked out alive. We bring the rock 'n' roll wherever we go...
It's probably fair to assume that you're setting out to wreak havoc on the music industry. What's going to be the one thing people are going to take away from coming to see you live?
Hopefully they walk away with an attitude, head held high and a tune in their ear.
We can only assume that your names of Cluffy, Muppet, Pumba and Bom are nicknames (unless you had extremely liberal parents, of course.) Does this mean that they become characters on stage, or is everything we witness live all you?
It's all us live.We inhabit the characters we've created.We would like our own action figures.
You band name suggests that most Disney characters should be cowering in fear. Which Disney villain are you most like and why?
Cruella Deville. She was evil and stylish. We like that.
Also, does it mean that if we invited you round for tea you'd be happy with a bit of venison?
Cluffy's a veggie, Muppet's a vegan. Eating venison would mean eating one of our own! We prefer Bambi to have the gun-and be the hunter...
So now it's time to hear what The Bambi Killers thought of their fellow Absolute Radio shortlisters...
Moonjets - 'Starmaker'
An eclectic mix of indie-pop sounds and dreamy lyricism.
Blind Drivers - 'Not The Same As You'
Like 60's beat for the new millenium. Stomp your feet!
The Velvetines - 'Shake Shake'
Gorgeous harmonies with attitude.Kathleen Hanna would love this band!
Towma - 'Rocket to the Moon'
Intricate melodies weaved with soulful voices. Perfect for the wee small hours.
To have a listen to this face-pummelling rock n' roll, have a look at The Bambi Killers' profile by clicking here.